But the most interesting thing that Franklin invented, and continually reinvented, was himself.

His morality was built on a sincere belief in leading a virtuous life, serving the country he loved, and hoping to achieve salvation through good works.

The family produced dissenters and nonconformists who were willing to defy authority, although not to the point of becoming zealots.

“Diligence in thy calling.” It came from Josiah’s favorite piece of Solomonic wisdom (Proverbs 22:29), a passage that he would quote often to his son: “Seest thou a man diligent in his calling, he shall stand before Kings.”